Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing
A vibrant, wholesome Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing combining fluffy rice, crisp fresh vegetables, and a tangy, nutty dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch, dinner side, or potluck dish, this recipe is easy to prepare, adaptable to various dietary needs, and delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan option available
Base
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine), cooled
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (lightly toasted if desired)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- Cook and cool the rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Allow it to cool to room temperature or chill slightly to achieve a fresher texture suitable for the salad.
- Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Finely chop cucumbers, bell peppers, cilantro, and slice green onions to create a colorful and vibrant mix that will complement the rice.
- Mix the peanut lime dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, fresh lime juice, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, grated garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Gently toss the cooled rice with the prepared vegetables and the peanut lime dressing until well coated, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped (optionally toasted) peanuts and chili flakes on top to add crunch and a subtle heat.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for firmer, less sticky grains that work best in salads.
- Keep vegetables fresh and crisp to enhance texture and flavor.
- Adjust dressing consistency by adding water one teaspoon at a time if it’s too thick.
- Let the salad rest for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Lightly toast peanuts before chopping for a deeper, richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: rice salad, peanut lime dressing, healthy salad, gluten free, vegan, peanut butter dressing, easy lunch, meal prep, fresh veggies, salad dressing